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The preparation of this newsletter is financed in part through a Title III Older Americans Act Grant from the Administration on Aging and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. This publication, printed at the South
Western Oklahoma Development Authority, is authorized by the Board of Trustees. 338 copies are being distributed at a cost of $107.14. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Depart-ment
of Libraries. In compliance with the 1964 Civil Rights Act, no person shall be excluded from participation, denied any benefits, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap.
SWODA is an equal opportunity employer. This newsletter is provided as a communications tool to the elderly in the area.
US Postage Paid
Non-Profit
Permit #1
Burns Flat, OK
73624
ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE
SOUTH WESTERN OKLAHOMA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PO Box 569, Burns Flat, OK 73624
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Aging Services
James Boyd,
Director
Area Agency on Aging
Christi Christian,
Ombudsman Supervisor
Samantha Lankford,
Ombudsman Supervisor
Staci Mauney,
Planner
Stefanie Shields,
Accountant
Ada Vanderford,
Information Assistant
Case Management
Anita Martinez,
Supervisor
Joy Taylor,
Assistant Supervisor
Sara Calabro,
Assistant Supervisor
Penny Clark,
Case Manager
Beverly Courtney,
Case Manager
Pat Harris,
Case Manager
Amanda Lubbers,
Case Manager
Denice Sadler,
Case Manager
Casey Witvoet,
Case Coordinator
Spring/Summer 2010
AGING
In This Issue:
Respite Available
from SWODA
Aging Services —
Page 2
New Ombudsman
Volunteers
Certified by
SWODA AAA—
Page 3
SWODA AAA
Celebrates Older
Americans Month
2010—Page 3
Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Provides More Funding
Earlier this year, the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma again partnered with the South
Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA), along with
other Area Agencies on Aging across the state, to assist with funding direct services for people 55
years of age and older. There was an application process for individuals 55 and over who were in
need of some type assistance that was not otherwise provided by other agencies. These funds
were used on a first come first serve basis until they were all utilized. Some of the types of
services that were purchased by the SWODA AAA included dentures and/or dental work, minor
home repairs, wheelchair ramps and heaters and/or heater repairs. Funding for each type of
service was limited. Those with desperate or unique needs were encouraged to file an application
because those situations were looked at on a case-by-case basis. Assistance will be available once
per person every other year.
Counties covered by the SWODA AAA are Beckham,
Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and
Washita. The SWODA AAA has in-depth working knowledge of
current government programs that are available to older
Oklahomans, as well as knowledge of the existence of service
gaps or non-covered needs of Oklahoma’s older citizens.
The SWODA Aging Services Information Assistant
receives calls daily from older people and/or their caregivers
with needs, and many are told nothing is available to help.
This Masonic funding enables AAA staff to assist many callers
with resources that were not available previously. This
funding “not only helps Oklahoma’s older population, but also
relieves some of the stress placed on caregivers whose older
relatives are continually turned down because of the lack of
resources needed to help,” said James Boyd, SWODA director
of Aging Services.
continued on page 3
Members of the Oklahoma Area Agencies on
Aging Association (O4A) accept a check from the
Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma.
Adult Protective Services
Statewide Hotline
1-800-522-3511
Many caregivers struggle to provide care for their loved ones on their own. The
South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
believes it is important that caregivers know they are not alone in their struggle to help
their loved ones. The SWODA AAA has a program that may benefit many caregivers in
southwestern Oklahoma.
The SWODA AAA provides for respite services for eligible caregivers in partnership
with the Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division, and the Oklahoma
Respite Resource Network (ORRN).
Caregivers are defined as "people of any age caring for someone 60 years of age or
older with two Activities of Daily Living impairments (dressing, bathing, eating, transferring,
toileting, or walking) and/or requiring substantial assistance due to a cognitive or other
mental impairment." Also served are grandparents 55 years of age or older who care for
grandchildren, step-grandchildren, or children related by blood or marriage and who live
with the child, serve as primary caregiver, and have a legal relationship with the child
(custody, guardianship or raising child informally). The child must be no older than
eighteen years.
Studies have shown that caregivers will give better care, maintain their own health,
and have reduced levels of stress if they can get away from the responsibilities of providing
care even if for only a few hours. Respite does just that. It provides a way for a caregiver
to get out of the everyday routine of caring for their loved one. For example, a caregiver
has the option of using respite services to go to a doctor’s appointment, get their hair done,
visit friends at a coffee shop, or even go to a movie.
To apply for respite services, a caregiver should call SWODA AAA’s Information
Assistant, Ada Vanderford, at 1-800-627-4882. If the caregiver qualifies, they will receive
$400 worth of vouchers. The caregiver can then contract with any person of their choice
(other than someone living in the same home or under 18 years old) to provide respite
services. There are no income or resource limitations.
A registry of respite providers is maintained by the SWODA Area Agency on Aging to be
given to caregivers who cannot find a respite provider on their own. The respite providers
on this list have successfully passed an OSBI background check and completed an
orientation packet before being placed on the respite provider list. In addition, SWODA
AAA checks four references given by each respite provider candidate. Those who are
interested in being placed on this registry should contact SWODA AAA at 1-800-627-4882
or e-mail SWODA’s Information Assistant at ada@swoda.org.
Respite Available from SWODA Aging Services
2
For Information & Assistance,
Call 1-800-211-2116.
The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging
Ombudsman Program has recently certified new ombudsman volunteers in the eight-county
area. Louise Kenedy, Weatherford, volunteers at Alterra Assisted Living in Weatherford. Pat
Allen, Altus, volunteers at English Village Manor in Altus, and Camilla Jackson, Altus,
volunteers at Plantation Village Assisted Living Center in Altus.
Ombudsman volunteers visit residents of their assigned facility a minimum of two
hours per week and attend one monthly meeting in their area to meet the state continuing
education requirements. Ombudsman volunteers continue to be needed in Clinton, Clinton
Veteran’s Center, Cordell, Elk City, Sayre and Erick. More information may be obtained by
contacting Christi Christian, RN, or Samantha Lankford, SWODA ombudsman supervisors,
at (580) 821-0153/821-4068, by email at christi@swoda.org/sjones@swoda.org or by
writing to P.O. Box 304, Sentinel, OK 73664. The ombudsman supervisor is available, by
appointment, to speak to your group or organization about the ombudsman program and
other topics related to care of the elderly.
New Ombudsman Volunteers Certified by SWODA AAA
3
Continued from cover
All Masonic funding for 2010 has been allocated, so potential applicants should check
with the SWODA AAA in January 2011 to find out if more funding has been received for this
program. To learn more about this and other available services, call the SWODA Aging
Services Information Assistant, Ada Vanderford, at 1-800-627-4882, or call the statewide
toll-free Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116.
Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Provides More Funding
May is Older Americans Month, a tradition dating back to 1963 to honor the legacies
and ongoing contributions of older Americans and provide support to them as they enter
the next stage in life. South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area
Agency on Aging (AAA) is joining communities nationwide in celebrating this month with
special activities and events.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme – Age Strong! Live Long! – recognizes the
diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations. The annual
commemoration of Older Americans Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions
of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly.
Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health
literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide
financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement and
more. For more information, contact the SWODA AAA Information Assistant at 1-800-627-
4882.
SWODA AAA Celebrates Older Americans Month 2010

The preparation of this newsletter is financed in part through a Title III Older Americans Act Grant from the Administration on Aging and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. This publication, printed at the South
Western Oklahoma Development Authority, is authorized by the Board of Trustees. 338 copies are being distributed at a cost of $107.14. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Depart-ment
of Libraries. In compliance with the 1964 Civil Rights Act, no person shall be excluded from participation, denied any benefits, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or handicap.
SWODA is an equal opportunity employer. This newsletter is provided as a communications tool to the elderly in the area.
US Postage Paid
Non-Profit
Permit #1
Burns Flat, OK
73624
ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE
SOUTH WESTERN OKLAHOMA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PO Box 569, Burns Flat, OK 73624
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Aging Services
James Boyd,
Director
Area Agency on Aging
Christi Christian,
Ombudsman Supervisor
Samantha Lankford,
Ombudsman Supervisor
Staci Mauney,
Planner
Stefanie Shields,
Accountant
Ada Vanderford,
Information Assistant
Case Management
Anita Martinez,
Supervisor
Joy Taylor,
Assistant Supervisor
Sara Calabro,
Assistant Supervisor
Penny Clark,
Case Manager
Beverly Courtney,
Case Manager
Pat Harris,
Case Manager
Amanda Lubbers,
Case Manager
Denice Sadler,
Case Manager
Casey Witvoet,
Case Coordinator
Spring/Summer 2010
AGING
In This Issue:
Respite Available
from SWODA
Aging Services —
Page 2
New Ombudsman
Volunteers
Certified by
SWODA AAA—
Page 3
SWODA AAA
Celebrates Older
Americans Month
2010—Page 3
Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Provides More Funding
Earlier this year, the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma again partnered with the South
Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA), along with
other Area Agencies on Aging across the state, to assist with funding direct services for people 55
years of age and older. There was an application process for individuals 55 and over who were in
need of some type assistance that was not otherwise provided by other agencies. These funds
were used on a first come first serve basis until they were all utilized. Some of the types of
services that were purchased by the SWODA AAA included dentures and/or dental work, minor
home repairs, wheelchair ramps and heaters and/or heater repairs. Funding for each type of
service was limited. Those with desperate or unique needs were encouraged to file an application
because those situations were looked at on a case-by-case basis. Assistance will be available once
per person every other year.
Counties covered by the SWODA AAA are Beckham,
Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and
Washita. The SWODA AAA has in-depth working knowledge of
current government programs that are available to older
Oklahomans, as well as knowledge of the existence of service
gaps or non-covered needs of Oklahoma’s older citizens.
The SWODA Aging Services Information Assistant
receives calls daily from older people and/or their caregivers
with needs, and many are told nothing is available to help.
This Masonic funding enables AAA staff to assist many callers
with resources that were not available previously. This
funding “not only helps Oklahoma’s older population, but also
relieves some of the stress placed on caregivers whose older
relatives are continually turned down because of the lack of
resources needed to help,” said James Boyd, SWODA director
of Aging Services.
continued on page 3
Members of the Oklahoma Area Agencies on
Aging Association (O4A) accept a check from the
Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma.
Adult Protective Services
Statewide Hotline
1-800-522-3511
Many caregivers struggle to provide care for their loved ones on their own. The
South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
believes it is important that caregivers know they are not alone in their struggle to help
their loved ones. The SWODA AAA has a program that may benefit many caregivers in
southwestern Oklahoma.
The SWODA AAA provides for respite services for eligible caregivers in partnership
with the Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division, and the Oklahoma
Respite Resource Network (ORRN).
Caregivers are defined as "people of any age caring for someone 60 years of age or
older with two Activities of Daily Living impairments (dressing, bathing, eating, transferring,
toileting, or walking) and/or requiring substantial assistance due to a cognitive or other
mental impairment." Also served are grandparents 55 years of age or older who care for
grandchildren, step-grandchildren, or children related by blood or marriage and who live
with the child, serve as primary caregiver, and have a legal relationship with the child
(custody, guardianship or raising child informally). The child must be no older than
eighteen years.
Studies have shown that caregivers will give better care, maintain their own health,
and have reduced levels of stress if they can get away from the responsibilities of providing
care even if for only a few hours. Respite does just that. It provides a way for a caregiver
to get out of the everyday routine of caring for their loved one. For example, a caregiver
has the option of using respite services to go to a doctor’s appointment, get their hair done,
visit friends at a coffee shop, or even go to a movie.
To apply for respite services, a caregiver should call SWODA AAA’s Information
Assistant, Ada Vanderford, at 1-800-627-4882. If the caregiver qualifies, they will receive
$400 worth of vouchers. The caregiver can then contract with any person of their choice
(other than someone living in the same home or under 18 years old) to provide respite
services. There are no income or resource limitations.
A registry of respite providers is maintained by the SWODA Area Agency on Aging to be
given to caregivers who cannot find a respite provider on their own. The respite providers
on this list have successfully passed an OSBI background check and completed an
orientation packet before being placed on the respite provider list. In addition, SWODA
AAA checks four references given by each respite provider candidate. Those who are
interested in being placed on this registry should contact SWODA AAA at 1-800-627-4882
or e-mail SWODA’s Information Assistant at ada@swoda.org.
Respite Available from SWODA Aging Services
2
For Information & Assistance,
Call 1-800-211-2116.
The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging
Ombudsman Program has recently certified new ombudsman volunteers in the eight-county
area. Louise Kenedy, Weatherford, volunteers at Alterra Assisted Living in Weatherford. Pat
Allen, Altus, volunteers at English Village Manor in Altus, and Camilla Jackson, Altus,
volunteers at Plantation Village Assisted Living Center in Altus.
Ombudsman volunteers visit residents of their assigned facility a minimum of two
hours per week and attend one monthly meeting in their area to meet the state continuing
education requirements. Ombudsman volunteers continue to be needed in Clinton, Clinton
Veteran’s Center, Cordell, Elk City, Sayre and Erick. More information may be obtained by
contacting Christi Christian, RN, or Samantha Lankford, SWODA ombudsman supervisors,
at (580) 821-0153/821-4068, by email at christi@swoda.org/sjones@swoda.org or by
writing to P.O. Box 304, Sentinel, OK 73664. The ombudsman supervisor is available, by
appointment, to speak to your group or organization about the ombudsman program and
other topics related to care of the elderly.
New Ombudsman Volunteers Certified by SWODA AAA
3
Continued from cover
All Masonic funding for 2010 has been allocated, so potential applicants should check
with the SWODA AAA in January 2011 to find out if more funding has been received for this
program. To learn more about this and other available services, call the SWODA Aging
Services Information Assistant, Ada Vanderford, at 1-800-627-4882, or call the statewide
toll-free Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116.
Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Provides More Funding
May is Older Americans Month, a tradition dating back to 1963 to honor the legacies
and ongoing contributions of older Americans and provide support to them as they enter
the next stage in life. South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area
Agency on Aging (AAA) is joining communities nationwide in celebrating this month with
special activities and events.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme – Age Strong! Live Long! – recognizes the
diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations. The annual
commemoration of Older Americans Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions
of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly.
Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health
literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide
financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement and
more. For more information, contact the SWODA AAA Information Assistant at 1-800-627-
4882.
SWODA AAA Celebrates Older Americans Month 2010